Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Joliet and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,237/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 6%
$88,026/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 17%
$248,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 24%
$1,472/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 19%
149,785
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $14,770/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Metairie — common questions

Is Joliet or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Metairie?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Metairie?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $14,770/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Metairie details →

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